Hughes out to eradicate errors

Aaron Hughes believes Northern Ireland have to return to basics to salvage something from this World Cup campaign.

Aaron Hughes believes Northern Ireland have to return to basics to salvage something from this World Cup campaign.

The Newcastle defender is aware that a repeat of the error-strewn second-half performance against England will be terminal in today's Poland match, which the Irish must win to maintain any hopes of reaching the play-offs.

"We have got to cut out the errors," said the Northern Ireland captain. "If the opposition get ahead we have to shut up shop for the next 15 minutes. It is important we get back on track but only time will tell if we are getting the mindset right after conceding a goal. We are aware of what Poland can do."

Poland won 3-0 at Windsor Park in the first qualifying match, but Northern Ireland then secured a draw in Cardiff against Wales. Hughes is looking for a similar scenario following the defeat by England.

He said: "After Poland beat us we went to Wales and got a good result. We need to do the same again."

Lawrie Sanchez, who is still without a competitive victory as manager, should recall Steven Davis as Damien Johnson is suspended. Davis was on the bench against England.

The Sheffield Wednesday striker James Quinn is likely to play up front after missing the England game through suspension. Chris Baird should keep his place at the back after recovering from a virus.

NORTHERN IRELAND (from): Taylor (Birmingham), Baird (Southampton), Murdock (Crewe), Hughes (Newcastle), Capaldi (Plymouth), Gillespie (Leicester), Davis (Aston Villa), Doherty (Bristol City), Elliott (Hull), Quinn (Sheff Wed), Healy (Leeds).